1st century Christianity in the 21st century
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Wise and Faithful Servant
The first part of Matthew 24 addresses Jerusalem’s impending destruction, while the latter portion is about the second coming of Christ – the final judgment. Signs would precede the first event (fulfilled in 70 AD), but there would be no signs for the Lord’s return (Matthew 24:36-39). Jesus said,
Continue reading “Embodying Stewardship: The Wisdom of the Faithful Servant”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Fig Tree, Signs of the Time
During a discourse about the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus used a fig tree parable to illustrate the need to read the signs of the time. He said:
Now learn this parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. (Matthew 24:32-33)
Continue reading “Signs Of The Time: Tender Branches And Unfolded Leaves”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Marriage Feast
The parable of the wicked vinedressers enraged the Pharisees, for they knew that Jesus spoke of them. However, they did not lay a hand on Him, for they feared the people (Matthew 21:45-46). Immediately, He spoke another parable against them, the parable of the marriage feast.
Continue reading “Embracing Righteousness: Exchanging Sin For A New Marriage Feast Garment”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers
Jesus shared a parable about wicked men who were not only dishonest and greedy, but also violent and murderous. He spoke the parable in the hearing of the Pharisees, the very people whom He pictured in the parable.
Continue reading “Jesus’ Powerful Rebuke Of The Jewish Leaders (Wicked Vinedressers)”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Two Sons (Authentic Service)
The Jews confronted Jesus, asking what authority He had to do and say the things He did. He answered:
I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: the baptism of John – where was it from? from heaven or from men? (Matthew 21:24-25)
Continue reading “Lip Service Or Authentic Service: What Do We Offer God?”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Day Labourers
In Matthew 13 we found a series of parables often referred to as the kingdom parables. However, parables about the kingdom of heaven are not exclusive to that chapter. OUr text today, Matthew 20:1-16, also presents a kingdom parable.
Continue reading “The Lord’s Reward to the Day Labourers: Just and Right in All Aspects”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Unforgiving Heart)
Simon Peter once asked the Lord how often he should forgive one who sinned against him. Thinking himself charitable, he put forth seven times as a good number. Recall, Jesus told him,
I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:11-13)
Continue reading “The Unfortunate Eternal End Of The Unforgiving Heart”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
Jesus plainly taught that His purpose on earth was to seek and save the lost. On more than one occasion, He used parables to reveal the importance of the soul, and the restoration of those who have been lost. Matthew records:
Continue reading “Seeking The Lost: The Inherent Value Of Every Soul”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Leaven of the Pharisees
In Matthew 16:6, Jesus warned His apostles:
Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
The disciples misunderstood His warning, thinking He was referring to a forgotten loaf of bread. Of course, Jesus spoke of something spiritual, not physical.
Continue reading “Beware The Leaven: The Peril Of Heeding False Teachers”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Red Sky, Signs of the Time
It wasn’t uncommon for the Jews to ask Jesus for a sign, though strangely, the request often followed a miracle. Consider:
It is likely other occasions occurred, since Paul described the Jews as people who seek a sign (1 Corinthians 1:22).
Continue reading “Discerning The Signs Of The Time”